Religious News Service Photographs

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About this Collection

Conceived by journalist Louis Minsky (1909-1957), Religious News Service (RNS) was established in 1934 as an affiliated but independently managed agency of the National Conference of Jews and Christians (later the National Conference of Christians and Jews), and was dedicated to providing authoritative and bias-free news about religion and ethics to both the secular and religious press. This collection contains photographs documenting Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish groups. Coverage of Protestants (especially mainline Protestants) and Catholics constitutes the bulk of the images. View the collection guide to learn more. Digitization of some of the images in this collection made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Featured image: Father James Groppi, the civil rights activist priest from Milwaukee, and militant leader Rennie Davis are taken into custody during an anti war demonstration a block from the White House.

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Title:
Moscow Patriarch in his garden.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #860 MOSCOW PATRIARCH IN HIS GARDEN Patriarch Alexei of the Russian Orthodox Church relaxes in his garden connected with the official patriarchal residence, shown in background. This is an exclusive RNS photo. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RAD-MO-LM-10245)
Creator:
Davies. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Aleksiĭ, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, 1877-1970., Russkai︠a︡ pravoslavnai︠a︡ t︠s︡erkovʹ--Bishops.
Topics:
Patriarchs and patriarchate (Catholic Oriental)--Russia--Moscow., Gardens--Russia--Moscow., Leisure--Russia--Moscow., Official residences--Russia--Moscow.
Geographic subjects:
Moscow (Russia)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358876
Title:
Czech Catholics pay homage to St. Wenceslas.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #859 CZECH CATHOLICS PAY HOMAGE TO ST. WENCESLAS For the first time since the German annexation, Prague Catholics staged traditional ceremonies to honor St. Wenceslas, protector of Czechoslovakia. Born in 908, Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, promoted the conversion of his country to Christianity, but as slain by his brother Boleslav in 929. The remains of the saint are taken from the casket by Monsignor Bokal, secretary of the Prague archdiocese, preparatory to replacing them in the statue of St. Wenceslas which stands in a special chapel in Prague Cathedral. They will repose there until next year’s celebrations. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EZ-PR-TFD-10255)
Creator:
Zaugg, Ernest. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, approximately 907-929., Catholic Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Christian saints--Czech Republic--Prague., Public worship--Czech Republic--Prague., Prayer meetings--Czech Republic--Prague., Saints--Commemoration.
Geographic subjects:
Prague (Czech Republic), Czechoslovakia.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358875
Title:
Czech Catholics pay homage to St. Wenceslas.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #858 CZECH CATHOLICS PAY HOMAGE TO ST. WENCESLAS For the first time since the German annexation, Prague Catholics staged traditional ceremonies to honor St. Wenceslas, protector of Czechoslovakia. Born in 908, Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, promoted the conversion of his country to Christianity, but as slain by his brother Boleslav in 929. Vicar Capitular Theophilus Opatrny is shown standing before the statue of St. Wenceslas during the ceremonies. Vicar Opatrny was appointed to administer the Prague archdiocese after the death in 1941 of Cardinal Casper, Archbishop of Prague. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EZ-PR-TFD-10255)
Creator:
Zaugg, Ernest. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, approximately 907-929., Catholic Church--Clergy., Opatrny, Capitular Theophilus., Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Prague (Czech Republic)
Topics:
Christian saints--Czech Republic--Prague., Public worship--Czech Republic--Prague., Prayer meetings--Czech Republic--Prague., Saints--Commemoration.
Geographic subjects:
Prague (Czech Republic), Czechoslovakia.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358874
Title:
Laymen take over churches -- for a day.
Description:
Text transcribed from annotations: #855 LAYMEN TAKE OVER CHURCHES -- FOR A DAY Laymen took over Protestant churches in many communities on Laymen’s Sunday, preached the sermon and greeted members of the congregation. Typical of the annual observance was this scene showing J.C. Penny [sic. J.C. Penney], head of the famous chain of department stores, welcoming members of Christ Church in New York City as the pastor, Dr. Ralph W. Sockman, looks on. (CS-NY-LM-10235)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Penney, J. C. (James Cash), 1875-1971., Sockman, Ralph W. (Ralph Washington), 1889-1970., Methodist Church (U.S.)--Clergy., Christ Church, United Methodist (New York, N.Y.)
Topics:
Laity--Protestant churches., Church membership--New York (State)--New York., Church attendance--New York (State)--New York., Businesspeople--New York (State)--New York.
Geographic subjects:
New York (N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358873
Title:
Laymen take over churches -- for a day.
Description:
Text transcribed from annotations: #855 LAYMEN TAKE OVER CHURCHES -- FOR A DAY Laymen took over Protestant churches in many communities on Laymen’s Sunday, preached the sermon and greeted members of the congregation. Typical of the annual observance was this scene showing J.C. Penny [sic. J.C. Penney], head of the famous chain of department stores, welcoming members of Christ Church in New York City as the pastor, Dr. Ralph W. Sockman, looks on. (CS-NY-LM-10235)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Penney, J. C. (James Cash), 1875-1971., Sockman, Ralph W. (Ralph Washington), 1889-1970., Methodist Church (U.S.)--Clergy., Christ Church, United Methodist (New York, N.Y.)
Topics:
Laity--Protestant churches., Church membership--New York (State)--New York., Church attendance--New York (State)--New York., Businesspeople--New York (State)--New York.
Geographic subjects:
New York (N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358872
Title:
Protestant churches erect monument to priest.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #854 PROTESTANT CHURCHES ERECT MONUMENT TO PRIEST ATLANTA, Ga. -- This monument in Atlanta’s city hall park was erected by four Protestant churches and a Roman Catholic church to honor the memory of Father Thomas O’Reilly for his heroic defense of their houses of worship during the Civil War. Photo shows Protestant, Catholic, and civic leaders at unveiling ceremony. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (TON-AT-LM-10245)
Creator:
O'Neill, Tracy. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., O'Reilly, Thomas., Catholic Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Monuments--Georgia--Atlanta., Memorials--Georgia--Atlanta., Dedication services--Georgia--Atlanta.
Geographic subjects:
Atlanta (Ga.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358871
Title:
U.S. protestant delegation goes to Japan.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #852 U.S. PROTESTANT DELEGATION GOES TO JAPAN HAMILTON FIELD, Calif. -- A delegation of four American Protestant leaders leave Hamilton field at San Francisco to visit Japan where they will confer with Japanese Christian leaders on re-establishing unity among Christians of the East and West. (Left to right) Dr. Douglas Horton, chairman, American Committee of the World Council of Churches; Dr. Lumen J. Shafer, chairman, Japan Committee, Foreign Missions Conference of North America; Bishop James C. Baker, chairman, International Missionary Council, Dr. Walter W. Van Kirk, secretary, Department of International Justice and Goodwill, Federal Council of Churches. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (MCE-SF-LM-10245)
Creator:
Acme Newspictures (New York, N.Y.) (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Horton, Douglas, 1891-1968., American Committee for the World Council of Churches., Shafer, Lumen J., Foreign Missions Conference of North America., Baker, James Chamberlain, 1879-1969., International Missionary Council., Van Kirk, Walter W. (Walter William), 1891-1956., Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America., United States. Army Air Forces. Air Transport Command.
Topics:
Ecumenical movement., Protestant churches--Clergy., Missions--Interdenominational cooperation., Missions--Japan., Air bases--California--Marin County.
Geographic subjects:
Hamilton Field (Calif.), Marin County (Calif.), Japan.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358870
Title:
Lutheran leader reports on relief needs.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #851 LUTHERAN LEADER REPORTS ON RELIEF NEEDS BERNE, Switzerland -- Dr. S.C. Michelfelder (standing), acting director of the new material aid division, World Council of Churches, reads report of misery in Central Europe to a press conference in Berne at which the International Red Cross and the Save the Children International Union, launched an appeal for immediate aid to prevent the starvation and freezing of millions of European children. At table are Father Alois Stegerwald, Lucerne, representative of Carita Catholica Internationalis, Catholic welfare agency, and George Thelin, Geneva, general secretary of the Save the Children Union. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RR-GEN-RR-10245)
Creator:
Root Geneva. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Michelfelder, Sylvester Clarence, 1889-, World Council of Churches., Save the Children International Union., International Committee of the Red Cross., Thelin, George., Caritas Internationalis., Stegerwald, Alois, 1904-
Topics:
Interdenominational cooperation., International cooperation., Reconstruction (1939-1951), War relief--Europe., Administrative remedies--Europe., Congresses and conventions--Switzerland--Bern.
Geographic subjects:
Bern (Switzerland)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358869
Title:
Religious leaders launch world relief appeal.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #850 RELIGIOUS LEADERS LAUNCH WORLD RELIEF APPEAL BERNE, Switzerland -- Representatives of world organizations of three faiths held a press conference at the Hotel Metropole Monopole in Berne to launch a common, world-wide appeal in behalf of “millions of children in imminent danger of starving and freezing as winter comes to Europe.” They are (left to right) Dr. Gerard Riegner, director of the Geneva office of the World Jewish Congress; Dr. S.C. Michelfelder, Toledo, Ohio, Lutheran, now acting director of the material aid division, World Council of (Protestant-Orthodox) Churches; and Father Alois Stegerwald, Lucerne, representative of Caritas Catholica Internationalis, Catholic welfare agency. The three religious groups joined with the international Committee of the Red Cross and with the Save the Children International Union in making the appeal. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RR-GE-RR-10245)
Creator:
Root Geneva. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Riegner, Gerhart M., World Jewish Congress., Michelfelder, Sylvester Clarence, 1889-, World Council of Churches., American Lutheran Church (1930-1960)--Clergy., Stegerwald, Alois, 1904-, Caritas Internationalis., Save the Children International Union., International Committee of the Red Cross.
Topics:
Press conferences--Switzerland--Bern., Interdenominational cooperation., Reconstruction (1939-1951), War relief--Europe.
Geographic subjects:
Bern (Switzerland)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358868
Title:
First Eastern Orthodox ecumenical Mass.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #848 FIRST EASTERN ORTHODOX ECUMENICAL MASS The first ecumenical Mass ever held in the New World by the Eastern Orthodox Church was celebrated in New York’s Greek Cathedral. Prelates participating (all wearing mitres) are, from left to right: Russian Archbishop Adam of New York; Archbishop Alexei of Yaroslavl; Russian Bishop Theodore, of Chicago; and Bishop Germanos, of the Greek archdiocese. Gathered around the altar are representatives of the Serbian, Rumanian [sic. Romanian], and Armenian-Georgian Orthodox churches. In the center, also wearing a mitre, is newly-promoted Archimandrite Christopher of the Russian Orthodox Church, who has just been invested with the robes of his office. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (C-NY-TFD-10235)
Creator:
Caputo. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (New York, N.Y.), His Eminence Adam (Philippovsky), Acting Exarch, Archbishop of the Aleutian Islands and North America., Russkai︠a︡ pravoslavnai︠a︡ t︠s︡erkovʹ--Bishops., Alexei, Archbishop of Yaroslav and Rostov., Theophilus (Pashkovsky), Metropolitan, Bishop of Chicago., Polyzōidēs, Germanos, 1897-1993., Christopher, Archimandrite., Biserica Ortodoxă Română--Clergy., Srpska pravoslavna crkva--Clergy., Sakʻartʻvelos avtokepʻaluri martʻlmadidebeli eklesia--Clergy., Armenian Church--Clergy., Orthodox Eastern Church--Liturgy.
Topics:
Mass--Celebration., Ecumenical movement., Interdenominational cooperation.
Geographic subjects:
New York (N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358867
Title:
Chaplaincy leaders confer in Washington.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #847 CHAPLAINCY LEADERS CONFER IN WASHINGTON Four of the leading chaplain figures in the country conferred in Washington on plans to maintain an adequate peacetime Protestant chaplaincy. (Left to Right) Rear Admiral William N. Thomas, Chief of Navy Chaplains; Bishop Henry Knox Sherrill of Massachusetts, Chairman of the General Commission on Army and Navy Chaplains; Brig. Gen. Luther D. Miller, Chief of Chaplains of U.S. Army; and Bishop Edwin Lee, director of the General Commission. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (LDF-WA-LM-10235)
Creator:
Ferras. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Thomas, William Nathaniel, 1892-1971., United States. Navy. Chaplain Corps., Sherrill, Henry Knox, 1890-1980., Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America. General Commission on Army and Navy Chaplains., Episcopal Church--Bishops., Episcopal Church. Diocese of Massachusetts., Miller, Luther D., United States. Army. Chaplain Corps., Lee, Edwin Ferdinand., Methodist Church (U.S.)--Bishops.
Topics:
Chaplains--Washington (D.C.), Clergy conferences--Washington (D.C.), Congresses and conventions--Washington (D.C.), Military chaplains--Washington (D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358866
Title:
The Generalissimo arrives for a U.S. medal.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #845 THE GENERALISSIMO ARRIVES FOR A U.S. MEDAL Chungking, China…Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, now acting president of China, following the death of Lin Sen, and MME. [Madame] Chiang, shown arriving at U.S. headquarters in Chungking, where he received the Legion of Merit from Lt. Gen. Joseph Stilwell, in the name of President Roosevelt. The Madame had just returned from her long visit to the United States. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (R-8-3-43-10-48-AM)
Creator:
International News Photos (New York, N.Y.) (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Chiang, Kai-shek, 1887-1975--Medals., Chiang, May-ling Soong, 1897-2003., United States. Army.
Topics:
Presidents' spouses--China., Presidents--China., Revolutionaries--China., Legion of Merit (Military decoration), Military decorations--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Chongqing (China)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358865
Title:
Religion on the move.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #826 RELIGION ON THE MOVE Shifting populations throughout the United States and Canada during the war years have made churchmen transportation conscious, and as a result they have turned to many different conveyances to bring God’s work to their flocks. Father Serson of the Cowley Fathers, a religious order of the Anglican Church, serves 30 missions in Ontario, Canada, on horseback. He is an accomplished barber and carpenter, as well as horseman. (One of a series) Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (TS-TO-MES-4B-6-ROTO)
Creator:
Toronto Star (Firm) (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Society of St. John the Evangelist., Church of England in Canada--Clergy., Church of England in Canada--Missions--Ontario.
Topics:
Home missions--Ontario., Horsemen and horsewomen--Ontario., Missionaries--Ontario.
Geographic subjects:
Ontario.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358864
Title:
Reads scripture.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #823 READS SCRIPTURE Sunday school student reads the Scripture lesson. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CS-NY-LM-10185)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Sunday schools., Church work with youth., Bible--Study and teaching.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358863
Title:
High school student.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #822 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT A cadet chaplain leads a high school age Sunday school group in a worship service. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CS-NY-LM-10185)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Sunday schools., Military chaplains., Military cadets., Church work with students.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358862
Title:
Statement of faith.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #821 STATEMENT OF FAITH Students in a Sunday school class record their statements of “Faith.” Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CS-NY-LM-10185)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Sunday schools., Church work with children., Creeds.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358861
Title:
Study of Scriptures.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #820 STUDY OF SCRIPTURES A Sunday school group studies the scriptures. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CS-NY-LM-10185)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Sunday schools., Church work with children., Bible--Study and teaching.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358860
Title:
Study of Life of Jesus.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #817 STUDY OF LIFE OF JESUS A Sunday school class studies the life of Jesus. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CS-NY-LM-10185)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Jesus Christ--Teachings.
Topics:
Sunday schools., Church work with children., Bible--Study and teaching.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358859
Title:
Group singing.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #816 GROUP SINGING Sunday school group sings hymns. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CS-NY-LM-10185)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Sunday schools., Church work with children., Children's choirs.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358858
Title:
3-year-olds in Sunday school.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #814 3-YEAR-OLDS IN SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday school student helps with three-year-olds in children’s division of church school. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CS-NY-LM-10185)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Sunday schools., Church work with children., Youth in church work., Volunteer workers in education.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358857

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